My grandma was an amazing woman. She was the most loving and caring person I have ever met. She loved music and board games...two characteristics of myself that I'd like to think I might have gotten from her.
When we were little, we would spend every Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving at my Grandma and Grandpa's house. And this piano was always such a big part of those family gatherings. Whether it was the grandkids pounding on its keys, or Grandma or Aunt Bonnie playing it, it rarely sat in silence. I remember gathering around it, singing Christmas Carols and hymns....harmonizing with the aunts....my dad's deep bass voice rumbling in the background. Such great memories.
My grandmother passed away summer of 2012 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. She has been greatly missed by many. This piano has been sitting in my grandpa's house ever since and he was finally ready to part with it, but understandably wanted to keep it in the family. When my dad asked me if I wanted it, I almost didn't feel like I was worthy. This was my grandma's piano! I also really questioned whether I had space in my house for a piano. But in the end, I couldn't turn it down. And I'm so glad I didn't.
This piano has brought so much joy to our family. I have so very much enjoyed playing it, whether alone with no one around or while one of the boys sits on my lap and the other two crawl around and play with their toys. I can't wait to one day teach them how to play!
The day after my dad dropped the piano off, I went downstairs to dust it off and clean it up. Afterwards, I started poking around on the keys. I was amazed at how it sounded exactly the same as I remembered it so many years ago. It's funny how your senses can take you back. I found myself playing an old hymn, "It Is Well (With My Soul)". It made me miss my grandma tremendously, but it also made me smile. When I closed my eyes, it wasn't me I imagined playing it. It was my smiling grandma.
I love and miss you, Grandma! Thank you so much for trusting me with this beautiful family heirloom. I promise to play it often and think of you whenever I do!
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